Community Forums

tyson.doug · 07-20-2015, 08:38 AM

We're on a long trip with our recently purchased 2000 Monaco Windsor, the cowl for our front AC unit blew off. Although my son saw it fly as he was looking out the window, we happened to be on a bridge over a very large river. Goodbye cowl.
At about the same time, the AC unit died. Perhaps it was exactly the same time, I'm not sure. We can't get the unit to run at all, but have fashioned a makeshift cowl with duct tape.
When you're done laughing...
:-)
We have a 2 zone system and zone 2 works just fine. We have a Duo Therm 4 button controller. I haven't secured a new cowl yet.
Here are my questions:
1) Could the AC unit be failing for some simple reason that I don't understand?
2) Could it be a controller board problem?
3) If so, how would I check for that?
4) If the AC is completely dead, what model should I purchase to ensure compatibility?
Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.

DtBt · 07-20-2015, 09:01 AM

If the cowl is the only problem it should run but not cool as it relies on the cowl to seal and separate the cool side from the hot side. My guess the flying cowl or rain infiltration has damaged something or tripped a breaker. A detailed inspection should show any damage such as broken coolant lines or wires amiss. Does the thermostat go into cool mode? Any hum of click? I assumed you checked the breakers.

tyson.doug · 07-21-2015, 07:24 AM

Well, I was a bit flustered during the original post and wasn't thinking very clearly.
I tripped a breaker. The A/C works OK with the temporary duct tape cowl/shroud. I'm picking up a new cowl today.
I can't believe it was that simple and that I didn't think to check on the breaker right away.
DtBt - I didn't think of it when I posted, but thought of it before I saw your post. Sheesh. Thanks for the reply!

jacwjames · 07-21-2015, 07:42 AM

I have a 2002 Windsor. When I bought ~6 years ago the cowl's were already starting to crack around the 4 sheet metal screws that hold it in place. You just have to watch the placement of the screws to make sure they won't hit anything.

I went ahead and installed 4 more screws in each of the Cowls. This has worked good.

Several of the original screws are essentially uselss since the cowl material cracked all the way around them, no doubt they would have blown off if not for the extra screws.

nodine · 07-21-2015, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tyson.doug

Well, I was a bit flustered during the original post and wasn't thinking very clearly.
I tripped a breaker. The A/C works OK with the temporary duct tape cowl/shroud. I'm picking up a new cowl today.
I can't believe it was that simple and that I didn't think to check on the breaker right away.
DtBt - I didn't think of it when I posted, but thought of it before I saw your post. Sheesh. Thanks for the reply!

If your unit was one of the Penguin models, and I think it is, you cannot operate it without the cover as the cover is used to partition the input and out chambers. Also if it rains you will get water into the coach and possibily damage the air conditioner. I would find a dealer that has a cover in stock and replace it immediately.

Bob

Jeff753 · 07-21-2015, 09:51 AM

Good deal here
http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/c...FQ4paQodejIDew

Jeff
2001 Dynasty Regent tag axle
Cummins 350 8.3 ISC

wa8yxm · 07-21-2015, 05:22 PM

Actually the absence of the outer cowl will have no effect on cooling ability of the unit. It is there to protect it from weather (IE: Rain, Snow) only. It does not seal between inner and outer,, The inner covers do that.

However I see you found the problem and fixed it.... Oh.. One thing that COULD happen if you loose a cowl while going down the highway.. A wire may blow loose.. That will kill it.. but on my units all the wires that might do that are under a 3rd Inner cover and clamped.. But not all are built that way.

bruceisla · 07-21-2015, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wa8yxm

Actually the absence of the outer cowl will have no effect on cooling ability of the unit. It is there to protect it from weather (IE: Rain, Snow) only. It does not seal between inner and outer,, The inner covers do that.

However I see you found the problem and fixed it.... Oh.. One thing that COULD happen if you loose a cowl while going down the highway.. A wire may blow loose.. That will kill it.. but on my units all the wires that might do that are under a 3rd Inner cover and clamped.. But not all are built that way.

Same with my Penquins and Brisk Airs ... the cover is just a rain hat and tree branch deflector.